Can you swim here today?
River & Trail North Branch Dam Release Put-in
Elk Garden, West Virginia · Boat ramp
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today
Cold waterAs of August 22, 2026, the water temperature at River & Trail North Branch Dam Release Put-in is 57°F (14°C), measured by USGS gauge 01595800, 0.3 miles away.
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 57°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.
- Water temperature is 57°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. — USGS gauge 01595800, as of Aug 22, 9:25 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 223 ft³/s over 42 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 9:25 PM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 23 (median 223 ft³/s over 42 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for West Virginia yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge NORTH BRANCH POTOMAC RIVER AT BARNUM, WV (0.3 mi away), as of Aug 22, 9:25 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.